With summer in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about summer plans. For many students, this means working summer jobs and saving money so you can afford to go on a vacation before heading back to school in the fall. Click the link below to apply:
But if you have your heart set on traveling to somewhere you’ve never been before, you may be surprised to learn that there are scholarships out there for high school students who want to travel abroad.
Read on to learn more about some of the best travel scholarships available today.
- SEE: Studying Abroad Advantages and Disadvantages
- National Geographic Society
- American Geographical Society
- Young Explorers Society
- Wildlife Conservation Network
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- African Wildlife Foundation
- Ocean Conservancy
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy
- SEE: Fully Funded Scholarship in the UK for International Students 2022/2023
SEE: Studying Abroad Advantages and Disadvantages
National Geographic Society
This organization offers a unique opportunity for high school students: The National Geographic Bee.
To apply, you must answer geography questions in multiple choice format; those who advance to state-level competition get to compete in a written test and are then invited to Washington, D.C., where they participate in an oral exam.
The national champion wins $50,000 and gets to travel with a fellow contestant or their teacher on an all-expenses paid trip.
Each member of that winning team also receives free lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society, which includes subscription to its magazines and other perks as well as a $10,000 scholarship award.
American Geographical Society
The American Geographical Society offers a yearly $10,000 award to support students with a desire to travel.
Eligible recipients must be 15–18 years old and currently enrolled in high school. The award is meant to fund trips that improve understanding of geography and cultures around the world.
Applicants are required to submit a letter describing their travel plans, along with two recommendation letters from teachers or counselors and a transcript demonstrating good grades.
Recipients may use their award in conjunction with any other scholarship or funding they receive.
Deadlines vary by state, so check with your school guidance counselor to find out if you can apply before you begin planning your trip!
Young Explorers Society
This program, created by Marriott International, seeks to inspire and empower students who have a passion for travel.
In order to qualify for these scholarships, applicants must be between 16 and 19 years old, submit a creative essay about their interest in travel and community service and demonstrate leadership qualities or community involvement.
At least one parent or guardian must also be employed by Marriott International (or Marriott Vacation Club International).
The scholarship award amounts vary annually; however, they are typically around $1,000.
Wildlife Conservation Network
The Wildlife Conservation Network provides annual scholarships to students in high school, college, and graduate school.
The grant focuses on conservation education as well as hands-on conservation experience in areas of need.
As a grant winner, you’ll be involved with national projects such as community outreach at a zoo or preserve or participating in student tours designed to raise awareness about conserving wildlife.
This scholarship is worth $5,000 to $10,000 and requires community service in exchange.
If awarded a grant through WNCN, you will have an opportunity to visit sites that they operate in order to better understand their mission and what they do.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
This is a large, national organization that recognizes high school seniors with an interest in cultural studies, community activism and preservation.
To qualify, you must have at least a 3.5 GPA and be completing your junior year of high school; travel awards range from $500 to $2,000.
This scholarship requires you to work on projects related to historic preservation.
African Wildlife Foundation
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) offers two scholarships for high school students.
Both are for $10,000 and both require you to submit a written essay about an African animal.
The application process is fairly simple; however, keep in mind that these awards are only given out once a year, in February.
Ocean Conservancy
This scholarship provides up to $5,000 toward undergraduate study at a U.S. college or university of your choice. Additionally, you can use it to fund a gap year to travel abroad—or pay back student loans after graduation.
The application is just one page long and is due in March of each year; it asks questions like What makes you passionate about traveling? and How will studying science contribute to your interest in exploring new places?
It’s open only to high school seniors who have already been accepted into an accredited American university program.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy offers scholarships every year to applicants under 21 years of age. The program has a total prize pool of $60,000 with awards of up to $5,000 available.
Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates and citizens or permanent residents of one of eleven states through which it passes.
Applications are due January 10 and winners will be announced in March; there is an essay portion as well as a demonstrated commitment to conservation.
